Global Leaders Miss Opportunity: Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium Stalls at ISA Assembly

Weeks after leaders vowed to protect the oceans at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice in June 2025, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) met without imposing a pause on deep-sea mining. This has led to a troubling gap between promises made and actions taken. Despite strong appeals from several countries against rushing to exploit deep-sea resources, the recent gatherings in Kingston showed a lack of commitment from many governments to safeguard marine ecosystems amid a growing ecological crisis.

The Deep-Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) is urging nations to reflect on the political and ethical consequences of their inaction, stressing the need for an immediate moratorium on deep-sea mining activities. Important discussions about the deep ocean’s role in climate regulation and the unknowns of deep-sea ecosystems were largely ignored at the ISA Assembly, despite efforts from some nations to prioritize these vital issues.

“Thirty-eight countries are now calling for a moratorium or a precautionary pause, with Croatia joining us during this Assembly,” said Sofia Tsenikli, DSCC Campaign Director. “Yet, many countries that made bold ocean commitments at the UN Ocean Conference failed to take strong action. It’s crucial for these governments to uphold their promises and push for a moratorium before it’s too late.”

During the ISA Assembly, several notable leaders spoke passionately about the need for immediate action. President Whipps of Palau, Minister Juan Carlos Navarro of Panama, and Ocean Ambassador Olivier Poivre d’Arvor of France all highlighted the growing public and scientific consensus against deep-sea mining. They urged protective measures instead of proceeding with mining plans.

Before the Assembly, there was a significant Council meeting that initiated inquiries into potential breaches of international law related to The Metals Company’s unilateral mining attempts in international waters. While these inquiries were seen as a positive sign, the concern remains that without a firm moratorium, the ISA could unintentionally enable harmful mining operations.

As the UN General Assembly and the World Conservation Congress approach, there’s an urgent plea for governments to take decisive action and enforce a moratorium.

Matthew Gianni, a DSCC co-founder, pointed out the dangers of neglecting this issue: “Remaining silent or hesitant is dangerous. We risk our oceans, and future generations will hold us accountable. There’s still time to prevent this industry from taking off, but it requires prioritizing science and precaution.”

Legal advisor Duncan Currie echoed this sentiment, welcoming the inquiry into seabed mining. He emphasized the importance of thorough investigations to protect ocean health.

As discussions continue, two major issues remain unresolved: the ISA’s obligation to conduct an institutional review and a proposed General Policy aimed at protecting the marine environment. If adopted, this policy could establish vital environmental goals, ensuring that ecosystem protection stays at the forefront of the ISA’s mission.

Historically, the ocean has faced threats from overfishing and pollution. Now, deep-sea mining introduces another risk. Recent studies show that deep-sea ecosystems can take decades, if not centuries, to recover from disturbances. As the world grapples with climate change, protecting these underwater habitats is more critical than ever.

The conversation around deep-sea mining is heating up on social media, with users trending hashtags like #ProtectOurOceans and sharing articles about the potential ecological impacts. This growing public interest shows that many people are ready to advocate for ocean conservation.

In a world where our oceans play a crucial role in regulating the climate and supporting biodiversity, it’s clear that decisive action is necessary. The time to prioritize ocean health is now.



Source link